Dahlia plant named ‘Zone Ten’

ABSTRACT

A new cultivar of  Dahlia  named ‘ZONE TEN’ that is distinguishable by upright habit, mahogany-black divided leaves, and striped star-shaped blossoms with a red halo around the disk florets. In combination these traits set ‘ZONE TEN’ apart from all other existing varieties of  Dahlia  known to the inventor.

Genus: DAHLIA.

Species variabilis.

Denomination: ‘ZONE TEN’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of dahliagrown for use in mixed combinations, beds and the landscape. The newinvention is known botanically as Dahlia and will be referred tohereinafter by the cultivar name ‘ZONE TEN’. The specific epithetvariabilis represents a hybrid seedling line that came from crossingvarious original wild species in the early 1800's, and refers to thespecies' wide range of inflorescence color and shapes. Dahlia is in thefamily Compositae. The inflorescence of ‘ZONE TEN’ is a “single” formblossom and exhibits a single row of ray florets surrounding a centralcluster of disk florets.

‘ZONE TEN’ was selected as an individual seedling that resulted fromdeliberate cross-pollination carried out by the inventor in a cultivatedarea of Auckland, New Zealand. The breeding began in 2001 by crossing anindividual Dahlia variabilis ‘Scarlet Fern’ (unpatented) as the femaleparent and an individual Dahlia variabilis from experimental F1 Lines asthe male parent. The female parent was planted in association withDahlia plants that exhibited similar characteristics. Seed was collectedfrom the female parent and coded as 71333/01, then sown with theintention of making a selection from the seedlings that resulted.

‘ZONE TEN’ was selected in 2002 based on the criteria of inflorescencecolor and flower markings. Selection was conducted by the inventor, inAuckland, New Zealand. The unique traits that distinguish the new Dahliavariety named ‘ZONE TEN’ from other varieties of the same genus, aremahogany-black divided leaves and profusions of striped star-shapedblossoms. The new Dahlia named ‘ZONE TEN’ is distinguishable from theparents by striped blossoms with a red halo around the disk florets.

‘ZONE TEN’ exhibits upright habit, large mahogany-black buds, darkpurple stems, and mahogany-black divided leaves. The inflorescences of‘ZONE TEN’ are fragrant, showy, and striped with a red halo around thedisk florets bloom in summer and fall. Cultural conditions include fullsun, regular water and rich well-draining potting soil. ‘ZONE TEN’ ishardy to USDA Zone 8 and grows to 0.9 m. in height and 0.9 m. in widthat maturity.

The first asexual reproduction of ‘ZONE TEN’ was conducted in 2004 inAuckland, New Zealand. The method of asexual propagation utilized wastissue culture. Since that time under careful observation, thedistinguishing characteristics have been determined stable, uniform, andto be reproduced true to type in subsequent generations of asexualpropagation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and represent thedistinguishing characteristics of the new Dahlia cultivar named ‘ZONETEN’. These traits in combination distinguish ‘ZONE TEN’ from all otherexisting varieties of Dahlia known to the inventor. ‘ZONE TEN’ has notbeen tested under all possible conditions and phenotypic differences maybe observed with variations in environmental, climatic, and culturalconditions, however, without any variance in genotype.

-   -   1. ‘ZONE TEN’ exhibits upright habit.    -   2. ‘ZONE TEN’ exhibits mahogany-black divided leaves.    -   3. ‘ZONE TEN’ is grown for use in mixed combinations, beds and        the landscape.    -   4. ‘ZONE TEN’ exhibits large mahogany-black buds and dark purple        stems.    -   5. ‘ZONE TEN’ exhibits fragrant striped star-shaped blossoms        with a red halo around the disk florets.    -   6. ‘ZONE TEN’ blooms summer and fall.    -   7. ‘ZONE TEN’ grows to 0.9 m in height and 0.9 m in width at        maturity.    -   8. ‘ZONE TEN’ is hardy to USDA Zone 8.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying color drawings labeled FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate theoverall appearance of the new Dahlia cultivar named ‘ZONE TEN’ showingthe colors as true as is reasonably possible to obtain in coloredreproductions of this type. Colors in the photographs may differ fromthe color values cited in the detailed botanical description, whichaccurately describes the actual colors of the new Dahlia variety named‘ZONE TEN’.

The drawing labeled FIG. 1 depicts the entire plant in bloom from a sideperspective.

The drawing labeled FIG. 2 depicts a close-up view of the flowers.Drawings were made using conventional techniques and althoughinflorescence and foliage color may appear different from actual colordue to light reflectance, they are as accurate as possible byconventional photography.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new Dahliacultivar named ‘ZONE TEN’. Observations, measurements, values andcomparisons were collected in Arroyo Grande, Calif. from 2-litrecontainer plants. Color determinations were made in accordance with The2001 Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart from London England,except where general color terms of ordinary dictionary significance areused. Growing requirements are similar to the species.

-   Botanical classification: Dahlia variabilis ‘ZONE TEN’.-   Family: Compositae.-   Genus: DAHLIA.-   Species: variabilis.-   Denomination: ‘ZONE TEN’.-   Common name: Dahlia.-   Parentage: Dahlia variabilis ‘ZONE TEN’ is a whole seedling plant    that resulted from the controlled cross-pollination of the following    parents:    -   -   Female parent.—Dahlia variabilis ‘Scarlet Fern’.        -   Male parent.—Dahlia variabilis of experimental F1 Lines.-   Propagation method: Tissue culture.-   Rooting system: Fine and fibrous.-   Vigor: Vigorous.-   Habit: Upright habit.-   Use: For use in mixed combinations, beds and the landscape.-   Type: Perennial.-   Dimensions in first season: 0.6 m in height and 0.6 m in width.-   Dimensions at maturity: 0.9 m in height and 0.9 m in width.-   Cultural requirements: Grow in full sun with regular water, and    well-draining potting soil.-   Pest susceptibility: Susceptible to aphids.-   Disease susceptibility: Susceptible to mildew in highly humid    conditions.-   Hardiness: USDA Zone 8.-   Stem:    -   -   Color.—N186A.        -   Dimensions.—40 cm in length and 0.4 cm in width.        -   Shape.—Cylindrical.        -   Surface.—Glabrous.        -   Internode length (average).—7 cm.-   Foliage:    -   -   Type.—Evergreen.        -   Leaf arrangement.—Opposite.        -   Leaf division.—Simple.        -   Margin.—Ciliate and pinnatisect.        -   Leaf shape.—Hastate.        -   Leaf dimensions (average).—10 cm in length and 9 cm in            width.        -   Leaf base.—Attenuate.        -   Leaf apex.—Acute.        -   Leaf venation pattern.—Pinnate.        -   Vein color (abaxial and adaxial surfaces).—N186C.        -   Leaf surfaces (abaxial and adaxial surfaces).—Slightly            puberulent.        -   Leaf color (adaxial surface).—N186A.        -   Leaf color (abaxial surface).—189A.        -   Leaf fragrance.—None observed.        -   Presence of stipules or spines.—None observed.        -   Leaf attachment.—Petiolate.        -   Petiole shape.—Sulcate.        -   Petiole dimensions.—2.50 cm to 4 cm in length and 0.10 cm in            width.        -   Petiole color.—N186B.-   Inflorescence:    -   -   Inflorescence type.—Head.        -   Aspect.—Facing upward and outward.        -   Inflorescence quantity.—15-20 per 2-litre container plant.        -   Dimensions of inflorescence (average).—7.50 cm in diameter            and 3 cm in depth.        -   Inflorescence shape.—Radiate with center disc.        -   Blooming seasons.—Summer and fall.        -   Peduncle.—        -   Dimensions (average).—15 cm in length and 0.25 cm in            diameter.        -   Shape.—Cylindrical.        -   Surface.—Glabrous.        -   Color.—N186A.-   Bud:    -   -   Shape.—Oblate.        -   Dimensions (average).—150 cm in height and 1.75 cm in            diameter.        -   Surface.—Glabrous.        -   Appearance.—Semi-glossy.        -   Color.—N186A.        -   Apex.—Obtuse.        -   Base.—Truncate.-   Ray floret:    -   -   Dimensions (average).—3 cm. in length and 2 cm. in width.        -   Form.—Petaloid.        -   Shape.—Oval.        -   Surface (adaxial and abaxial).—Glabrous.        -   Arrangement.—Radiate.        -   Quantity per inflorescence.—8.        -   Apex.—Rounded.        -   Base.—Rounded.        -   Margin.—Entire.        -   Color (adaxial and abaxial surfaces).—72A, 70D both            individually present.        -   Halo color (adaxial surface of ray inflorescence).—53A.-   Disk floret:    -   -   Dimensions.—1.50 cm in length and 0.10 cm in width.        -   Quantity of disk florets.—In excess of 90 disk florets per            inflorescence.        -   Disk floret color.—187A.        -   Disk florets.—5 in number.        -   Disk florets fused or unfused.—Fused.        -   Disk floret apex.—Acute.        -   Disk floret surface (ventral and dorsal surfaces).—Glabrous.        -   Receptacle dimensions.—0.75 cm in depth and 1.25 cm in            diameter.        -   Receptacle surface.—Glabrous.        -   Receptacle color.—N186A.-   Phyllary:    -   -   Inner phyllary.—Number: 8. Shape: Elongated ovate.            Dimensions: 1.75 cm in length and 0.50 cm in width. Color            (adaxial and abaxial surfaces): 59A. Texture: Scarious.            Appearance: Translucent. Apex: Subacute. Base: Truncate.            Margin: Entire. Surface (adaxial and abaxial): Glabrous.        -   Outer phyllary.—Number: 5. Shape: Obovate. Dimensions: 1 cm            in length and 0.50 cm in width. Color (adaxial and abaxial            surfaces): N186A. Form: Reflexed. Apex: Obtuse. Base:            Truncate. Margin: Entire. Surface (adaxial and abaxial):            Glabrous.        -   Self-cleaning or persistent.—Self-cleaning.        -   Fragrance of inflorescence.—Perfume fragrance.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Stamens.—5 in number.        -   Stamen length.—6 mm. in length.        -   Stamen color.—N163D.        -   Anther.—Connate.        -   Anther color.—166A.        -   Pollen.—Present.        -   Quantity of pollen.—Large amount.        -   Pollen color.—N163D.        -   Pistil.—One present.        -   Pistil length.—9 mm. in length.        -   Stigma dimension.—6 mm in length and 6 mm in width.        -   Stigma form.—Plumose.        -   Stigma color.—23A.        -   Stigma shape.—Bifurcate.        -   Ovary position.—Inferior.        -   Ovary color.—150D.        -   Ovary shape.—Rotund.        -   Ovary dimensions.—2 mm in width and 3 mm in height.-   Seed: None observed to date.

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘ZONE TEN’ asdescribed and illustrated herein.